Rick Stroud and Greg Auman have reported that veteran OLB Shaquil Barrett is set to rejoin the Buccaneers’ practice squad.

The deal is subject to a physical, but the chances of Barrett returning to Tampa Bay look promising.

This news comes after Barrett recently sought reinstatement from his retirement. The Dolphins, however, chose not to activate him from the retired list and subsequently waived him on Wednesday.

In July, Barrett stepped away from football to spend more time with his family, having signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins earlier this offseason. Last year, his family tragically lost their young daughter in a drowning accident.

At 31, Barrett joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2014. After being waived during the preseason, he was re-signed to Denver’s practice squad.

Throughout his career, Barrett has frequently moved between the practice squad and active roster, finally securing an active roster spot by the end of his rookie season and continuing on with the team.

In 2019, he signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent, earning a one-year deal worth $4 million before being franchised in 2020. He then re-signed with Tampa Bay in 2021 for a four-year extension valued at $68 million, but was released earlier this offseason.

Most recently, Barrett inked a one-year contract with the Dolphins with a maximum value of $9 million but ultimately retired in July.

During the 2023 season, Barrett played in 16 games for the Buccaneers, recording 52 tackles, three tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception returned for a touchdown, and two pass deflections.